Reignite Your Passion! Embracing Dreams at Any Age With Eileen Caliva

Eileen Caliva is the passionate entrepreneur behind Caliva Cookies, a brand built from cherished family recipes and a love for bringing people together through food. 

 

At 50, Eileen took a brave leap, returning to school to study culinary arts and web development. With her newfound skills, she launched a business that embodies both her Italian heritage and the simple joys of baking. 

 

Eileen’s journey started with small steps, when she was baking from her home kitchen, but as her reputation grew, she moved into a commercial kitchen to meet the increasing demand for her baked goods, and today she operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in Troy, New York.

 

Her biscotti are local favorites at farmers' markets and are also available online, where she ships to cookie lovers nationwide.

 

As a resilient and compassionate businesswoman, Eileen has learned valuable lessons along the way, including the importance of self-care and work-life balance. 

 

Burnout taught her to make time for herself, whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or attending retreats, and she now encourages other entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being too.  

 

Eileen believes that no matter your age or background, it’s never too late to follow your passion and create something meaningful, and hopes her journey will inspire others to listen to their inner voice, and take bold steps toward their dreams.

 

Through Caliva Cookies, Eileen doesn’t just share delicious treats—she shares a story of courage, perseverance, and the boundless power of believing in oneself.

Key takeaways from Eileen Caliva’s inspiring journey:

1. Embrace Change at Any Age - It’s never too late to pursue your passions. Eileen returned to school at 50, proving that age is just a number when it comes to personal growth.

 

2. Follow Your Heart - Eileen’s journey began with her grandmother’s recipes, reminding us that our heritage and personal stories can fuel our passions and inspire our careers.

 

3. Balance is Key - Juggling family and business is challenging, but prioritizing self-care and time for loved ones is essential for long-term success and happiness.

 

4. Seek Support and Collaboration: Eileen highlights the importance of asking for help, whether through internships or professional services, to free up your time and focus on what you love.

 

5. Stay Open to Learning - Continuous learning enriches your journey. Eileen adapted her skills, moving from baking in her home kitchen to a commercial kitchen, showing us that growth often requires stepping outside our comfort zones.

 

6. Give Back to Your Community - Eileen emphasizes the joy of helping others, encouraging us to find ways to support our communities as we grow in our own lives.

 

7. Believe in Your Dream - Eileen’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. By staying true to your dreams and taking action, you can create a fulfilling and impactful life, inspiring others along the way.

Inspiring quotes from Eileen Caliva:

1. "It's never too late to live your dream. Embrace your passions, take that leap of faith, and remember, life is too short to hold back on what truly makes you happy."

 

2. "Finding balance is essential. Prioritize time for yourself, your family, and your business. When you nourish your well-being, you’ll be more energized and focused to achieve your goals."

 

3. "Believe in the power of community. Helping others not only enriches their lives but brings joy and fulfillment to your own journey. Always look for ways to give back."

 

4. "Keep learning and evolving. Age shouldn’t be a barrier to growth; instead, let it inspire you to pursue new skills and challenges. The more you learn, the more you can achieve."

 

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